Predictions for Creative Industry Hiring Trends in 2021

Good news for Creatives - the digital and creative industry is booming. The pandemic has paved the way for a more virtual business ecosystem. Brands recognize the importance of UX Design, digital marketing, production, motion video, etc. Creatives that can present and implement their ideas, attract users, and in return improve business in in demand.

What does this mean for the creative economy and jobs in the year to come? Find out what companies like AG Studios are looking for:

List of Creative Digital Hiring Trends for 2021

1. Increased demand for Visual Designers and Graphic Designers

A visual designer often gets confused with a graphic designer. Although they are similar in demand creative jobs, they serve different purposes.

Visual design can be describes as a mixture of graphic design and user interface (UI) design. A visual designer focuses on the aesthetics of a website, web app, or other digital design. With more companies directing their marketing plans towards online platforms, the demand for Visual Designers continues to increase.

Graphic design is the combination of art and technology to communicate ideas through images and the layout of websites and marketing materials (print or online). According to a Career Village article, “employment of graphic designers in computer systems design and related services is projected to grow 20 percent over the same period. Companies are continuing to increase their digital presence, requiring graphic designers to help create visually appealing and effective layouts of websites.”Job opportunities will be better for applicants who keep up with the latest design trends, technologies, and techniques. Due to the increase of companies developing an organic and paid digital presence, the work of graphic designers will continue to be important in the marketing of products and services throughout the ever changing economy.

2. More jobs and better salaries

You have probably heard the phrase, “content is king” - it’s a famous quote by Bill Gates. He describes the future of the Internet as a marketplace for content. This could not be more relevant today, with the virtualization of practically everything we do. From work to homeschooling - businesses across all industries need an online presence and relevant content that is visually appealing and engaging. As the demand for these types of jobs continues to increase, so will competition, however an applicant with a strong portfolio to showcase their work can be a great asset to a company. Creatives can prove their value through their work to negotiate a well deserved salary, especially as companies are now setting aside digital marketing budgets. The digital and creative industry is continually growing as time passes.

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3. Degrees become less important for digital creative talent

With access to the internet, you can learn basically anything at the click of a button. Especially the YouTube search button. Companies would much rather see a portfolio of your work than a degree. Having visual proof that you create quality content and visuals are far more important than you knowing the  history of marketing and technical terms. With creative jobs in demand, it's good practice to update your digital portfolio often.

4. More demand for motion design

As everything in life transitions to digital and online focused platforms - motion design will continue to grow in importance. Motion design refers to anything that is animated. Animation is a top skill that most designers hope to add to their skillset to advance their careers. An increase in need for video and animation is a digital hiring trend that is currently growing - the proof is in the numbers. There has been an increase in YouTube advertising costs, Instagram introduced Reels, TikTok became the number one downloaded app. In the year 2020 there was a rise of video sharing, paving the way for brands to advertise organically by having their followers/users do the promoting. Not to mention the rise of the influencer culture - safe to say, video and animation is here to stay in the creative economy.

According to Forbes, marketing teams recognize that the shelf life of graphic innovation can be short. Which is why companies are willing to pay the price for quality digital creative talent. Based on the above creative industry hiring trends, resilience and digital fluency are rated the two most important skills needed in the pandemic era. 

Looking for Creative Staffing Solutions & Jobs?

With creative jobs in demand, AG Studios helps connect the right talent with employers for exceptional partnerships that result in one-of-a kind projects. Whether you are a Creative looking for your next job or an employer looking for the right Creative to join your marketing team or help with the next project, AG studios can help. Contact us today!